Sports Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sports training apparatus includes a base for mounting onto a support. A rod is attached to the base in a manner in which at least part of the rod can extend beyond the base so that when the base is mounted on the support, the rod extends above the support. An elastic cord is attached to the rod at one end. A ball is attached to another end of the cord. The rod is positioned so that when a tension is set up in the cord as a result of movement of the ball away from the support in one direction, the rod and the cord can cooperate to facilitate the return of the ball over the support in an opposite direction when the cord contracts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Australian Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 2012900945 filed on Mar. 9, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sports training apparatus. The invention alsoprovides a sports training kit.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many types of sports training apparatus, including those for racquetsports such as tennis training apparatus, are directed towards providingrepetitive action to permit a user repeatedly to perform certain strokesor movements.

It is desirable that a user or player not have to collect a ball aftereach strike. This has been achieved to some degree with various balllaunchers that launch multiple balls. However, such launchers sufferfrom a number of disadvantages.

Launchers can be bulky and heavy, making transport and set up difficult.They usually require a power supply, which can be inconvenient where thetraining area is remote. The use of a launcher also requires that alarge number of balls be supplied. Also, once all the balls have beenlaunched, it is necessary to refill the launcher. This can be tediousand time confusing.

In addition to the above disadvantages, launchers tend to launch ballsin a predictable pattern, which is different to the random nature of agame. As a result, a user can easily anticipate the flight of the ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a sports training apparatus, which includes: abase for mounting onto a support; a rod that is attached to the base ina manner in which at least part of the rod can extend beyond the base sothat when the base is mounted on the support, the rod extends above thesupport; an elastic cord that is attached to the rod at one end; and aball that is attached to another end of the cord, the rod beingpositioned so that when the cord extends as a result of movement of theball away from the support in one direction, the rod and the cord cancooperate to facilitate the return of the ball over the support in anopposite direction when the cord contracts.

The rod may be resilient so that it can bend in the direction ofmovement of the ball away from the support as the cord extends to helpreturn the ball when the cord contracts and the rod straightens so thata user can strike the ball repeatedly.

It will be appreciated that the height of the rod above the support alsohelps to return the ball over the support.

The rod may be elongated and formed from a material that allows the rodto bend or flex when the cord is extended by the ball being struck andtravelling over the support away from the rod

The rod may be pivotal or hinged relative to the base to pivot or swingbetween an operative position in which the rod extends above the supportwhen the base is mounted on the support and an inoperative position inwhich the rod extends below the support to avoid obstructing the ball asit returns over the support.

The sports training apparatus may include a hinge or joint for attachingthe rod to the base to provide pivotal or hinged movement of the rodbetween the operative and inoperative positions.

The joint may permit the rod to pivot or swing under gravity from theoperative position to the inoperative position. Also, one of the jointand the base can incorporate or include a stop so that the rod stops atthe operative position once it has moved away from the inoperativeposition under action of the ball being struck and subsequently movingover the support. Return of the ball and subsequent slackening of thecord causes the rod to swing back down, under gravity, to theinoperative position to facilitate movement of the ball back over thesupport without obstruction by the rod.

The rod may be attached to the joint in a manner in which detachment isfacilitated. In one embodiment, the joint may include a tubular portiondefining a passage for receiving the rod, and a grub screw, clampingdevice, or other securing mechanism for securing the rod in the passagein a manner which allows release and removal or adjustment of a lengthor height of the rod above the support.

The joint may be configured to provide two degrees of freedom ofmovement. Thus, the joint can be a universal joint, or can be a completejoint with two hinge zones or locations. It follows that the rod canalso tilt from side-to-side to facilitate variance in the manner inwhich the ball travels.

The base may include a board. The board may have a mounting, clipping orfastening device for mounting the board onto the support. The device maypermit removal and replacement of the board.

The stop may be a stopper that is interposed between the joint and anend of the board. The clipping or fastening device may be oriented sothat when the board is mounted on the support, the joint and the stopperare positioned with the stopper above the joint. Thus, the stopper is ina position for stopping the rod when the rod pivots towards theoperative position. The stopper may be formed from a resilient shockabsorbing material such as rubber.

The stopper can be in the form of a number of different shapes. Forexample, the stopper can be cylindrical to present a circular stoppingface. Where the joint is universal or complex, the stopper can extendacross the board to accommodate pivotal and angular movement of the rod.

The board may be generally rectangular in shape and may define opposinglaterally inwardly projecting recesses for winding the cord onto theboard. It follows that the cord can be wound about the board tofacilitate stowing of the apparatus.

The board may also define an aperture that is shaped and sized forreceiving the ball in a friction fit to facilitate stowing of theapparatus.

The board may include a strap that is attached to the board forstrapping an operatively lower end of the board to the support tostabilise the board, in use.

The cord may be of latex or rubber or of a material with similarproperties to latex or rubber. The latex may be natural or synthetic.The cord may solid with a diameter of between 2 mm and 4 mm, forexample, 3 mm. Instead, the cord may be tubular so that the cord hasless mass than a solid cord of similar dimensions with similar elasticproperties. In one example, an outer diameter of the cord may be betweenapproximately 3 mm and 5 mm while an inner diameter of the cord may bebetween approximately 2 mm and 4 mm. Also, the cord may be between 3 mand 15 m in length. However, it will be appreciated that this length canvary depending on the application.

The cord may be attached to the rod with a swivel connector mounted onan end of the rod. This permits the cord to swivel with respect to therod to avoid winding up and subsequent entanglement of the cord.

The cord may be attached to the rod in a releasable manner so that thecord can be replaced if necessary. For example, the cord can be tied tothe swivel connector in a releasable manner.

The rod may be between about 40 cm and 70 cm long. For example, the rodmay be between about 55 cm and 65 cm and in one embodiment about 58 cm.The rod may have a base diameter of between about 5 mm and 9 mm and atip diameter of between about 1 mm and 5 mm. For example, the rod mayhave a base diameter of between about 6 mm and 8 mm, in one embodimentabout 7 mm, and a tip diameter of between about 2 mm and 4 mm, in oneembodiment about 3 mm.

Instead of being a fixed length, the rod may be telescopic so that thelength can be adjusted, if necessary.

In addition, the rod and the hinge or joint may be configured so thatthe rod can also spin freely relative to the hinge or joint while beingretained against linear movement. This can enhance movement of the cordover the net and can further inhibit entanglement.

The ball may be a tennis ball, in which case the clip may be configuredfor clipping onto an upper edge portion of a tennis net. The strap mayinclude hook-and-loop formations, such as Velcro™, for securing thelower end of the board to the net.

The board may define an aperture to form a carry handle, and the strapmay pass through the handle, in use, for securing the board to the net.

The invention extends to a sports training apparatus, which comprises abase for mounting onto a support; and a rod that is attached to the basein a manner in which at least part of the rod can extend beyond the baseso that when the base is mounted on the support, the rod extends abovethe support, an elastic cord being capable of attachment to the rod atone end with the other end of the cord being connectable to a ball, therod being positioned so that when a tension is set up in the cord as aresult of movement of the ball away from the support in one direction,the rod and the cord can cooperate to facilitate the return of the ballover the support in an opposite direction when the cord contracts.

The sports training apparatus may include the cord, a connector beingattached to said other end of the cord to permit a ball to be connectedto the cord in a releasable manner.

The invention also provides a sports training kit, which includes: aracquet; and a sports training apparatus as described above.

The kit may include a package for packaging the racquet and the sportstraining apparatus.

The sports training apparatus may include any one or more of the optionsor features as herein defined, described, and illustrated. For example,a sports training apparatus of the invention may be provided with orwithout the cord and/or the ball.

The racquet may be a tennis racquet.

The base or board of the sports training apparatus may be shaped tocorrespond generally with a head of the racquet, so that the racquet andthe sports training apparatus may be stored or carried together with theboard within a rim of the racquet and overlying strings of the racquet.

The package may be a racquet cover. In that condition, the rod may beremoved from the hinge and placed inside the racquet cover.

The invention also provides a method for facilitating return of a ballto a user for enabling a user to practice on their own with a net, themethod including equipping a court or the like with a sports trainingapparatus as described above.

The sports training apparatus may include any one or more optionalfeatures as herein defined, described, and illustrated

A sports training apparatus, in accordance with the invention, maymanifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient hereinafterto describe embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detaileddescription is to instruct persons having an interest in the subjectmatter of the invention how to carry the invention into practicaleffect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the specific natureof this detailed description does not supersede the generality of thepreceding broad description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a sportstraining apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1in a mounted, pre-use or inoperative condition, illustrating a manner ofmovement of a rod of the apparatus.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1in a mounted, operative condition, with a ball of the apparatus movingaway from a user.

FIG. 2C shows a schematic side elevation view of the sport trainingapparatus of FIG. 1 in a mounted, operative condition, with a ball ofthe apparatus moving back towards or returning to a user.

FIG. 3 shows a three dimensional view of a kit, in accordance with theinvention, that includes a racquet and another embodiment of a sportstraining apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the apparatus of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional view, from behind, of the apparatus ofFIG. 3, with one example of a base.

FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional view, from behind, of the apparatus ofFIG. 3, with another example of a base.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a sportstraining apparatus, in accordance with the invention. In thisembodiment, the sports training apparatus is in the form of a trainingapparatus for ball sports utilising a net. One example of an applicationis tennis training.

The training apparatus 10 includes a base 12 for mounting onto asupport, in this example, an upper edge portion of a net 14 (FIGS. 2A to2C) such as a tennis court net. The training apparatus 10 also includesa rod 16 that is attached to the base 12 in a manner in which at leastpart of the rod 16 can extend beyond the base 12 so that when the base12 is mounted on the net 14, the rod 16 can extend above the net 14 asshown in FIG. 2B.

An elastic cord 18 is attached to the rod 16 at one end. A ball 20 isattached to the other end of the cord 18. A loop 19 (FIGS. 3 and 5) isattached to the ball 20. A connector 21, such as a clip or swivel,interconnects the cord 18 and the ball 20. The connector 21 permits theball 20 to pivot or spin relative to the cord 18 to help prevent windingup and entanglement of the cord 18.

The rod 16 is positioned so that when the cord 18 extends or stretchesas a result of movement of the ball 20 away from the net 14 in onedirection (FIG. 2B), the rod 16 and the cord 18 can cooperate tofacilitate the return of the ball 20 over the net 14 in an oppositedirection (FIG. 2C) when the cord contracts.

The base 12 is in the form of a board that is generally rectangular inshape. The board 12 defines opposing laterally inwardly projectingrecesses 22 for winding the cord 18 onto the board 12. It follows thatthe cord 18 can be wound about the board 12 to facilitate stowing of theapparatus 10.

The board 12 also defines an aperture 24 that is generally circular andthat is shaped and sized for receiving the tennis ball 20 in a frictionfit, also to facilitate stowing of the apparatus 10. A groove 26 extendsfrom the circular aperture 24 to receive the portion of the cord 18adjacent the tennis ball 20.

The board 12 has a length of between about 300 mm and 400 mm, forexample, about 360 mm and a lateral width of between about 200 mm and300 mm, for example about 240 mm.

The board 12 can be of a number of different materials. For example, theboard 12 can be of wood, moulded plastics material or a composite, suchas fibreglass composite or carbon fibre composite.

The board 12 also defines a generally T-shaped aperture 28 so as to forma carry handle 30. In use, a strap 32 is passed through the aperture 28for securing an operatively lower end of the board 12 to the tennis net14, to resist tilting of the board 12, in use. The strap 32 includeshook-and-loop formations, such as Velcro™, for securing the lower end ofthe board 12 to the tennis net 14. The width of the T-shaped aperture 28is about 2.5 cm.

The board 12 includes a clipping device 34 for temporarily mounting theboard 12 onto an upper edge of the net 14, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

The apparatus 10 includes a joint 38 for attaching the rod 16 to theboard 12. The joint 38 enables the rod 16 to pivot or hinge between anoperative position in which the rod 16 extends above the net 14 when theboard 12 is mounted on the net 14 and an inoperative position in whichthe rod 16 extends below the support to avoid obstructing the ball 20 asit returns back over the net 14. The pivotal movement of the rod 16 isindicated by the arrow 17 in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

The joint 38 include a passage defined by a retaining tube 40 forreceiving the rod 16, and a grub screw 37 or similar threaded through anopening 43 for bearing against and securing the rod 16 in the tube 40.That way, the rod 16 is detachable so that release and removal of therod 16 is facilitated. Furthermore, an effective height of the rod 16above the net 14 can be adjusted by releasing the screw 37 and slidingthe rod 16 in the tube 40. It will be appreciated that the height of therod 16 can be adjusted in other ways, for example, by providing the rod16 as a telescopic rod. Adjustment of the height allows tuning of theapparatus 10 to suit the style of the user and the requiredcharacteristics of the ball flight.

The joint 38 includes a post 39 mounted in and extending from the board12. The retaining tube 40 is mounted on the post 39 with a swivel orpivot mechanism 41.

In a shortened condition of the rod 16, a leg 29 of the T-shapedaperture 28 accommodates a lower portion of the rod 16 as it pivotsdownwardly. The leg 29 has a width of between about 20 mm and 30 mm, forexample about 25 mm. A length of the aperture 28 is between about 150 mmand 250 mm, for example about 200 mm.

A stop in the form of a stopper 35 is mounted on the board 12. Thestopper 35 is interposed between the joint 38 and an operative upper end45 of the board 12. The clipping device 34 is oriented so that when theboard 12 is mounted on the net 14, the joint 38 and the stopper 35 arepositioned on a longitudinal axis of the board 12 with the stopper 35above the joint 38. Thus, the stopper 35 is in a position for stoppingthe rod 16 when the rod 16 pivots or swivels towards its uprightposition. The stopper 35 is generally cylindrical and is formed from aresilient shock absorbing material such as rubber.

The joint 38 is spaced from the stopper 35 a distance of between about80 mm and 150 mm, for example about 110 mm. It will be appreciated thatthe distance between the joint 38 and the stopper 35 is selected to makethe best use of the characteristics of the rod 16 to achieve thenecessary return force applied to the ball 20 together with the cord 18.It follows that other distances between the joint 38 and the stopper 35can also be applicable.

In particular, the joint 38 and the stopper 35 are spaced so that,together with the rod 16, the ball 20 can exert a force on the rod 16 togenerate a whiplash effect as it flips upwardly, strikes the stopper andflexes to return the ball 20.

Furthermore, the height of the rod 16 helps to ensure that the ball 20can clear the net 14 when returning after being struck correctly. As theball 20 returns, the cord 18 slackens and the rod 16 flips downwardly asa result of at least its centre of gravity with assistance from therecoil off the stopper 35. This allows the ball 20 to pass back over thenet 14 without being obstructed by the rod 16.

The cord 18 is formed from latex or rubber, and is solid. The cord 18has a diameter of between about 2 mm and 4 mm, for example about 3 mm.Instead, the cord 18 can be tubular so that the cord 18 has less massthan a solid cord of similar dimensions with similar elastic properties.In this example, an outer diameter of the cord is approximately 3 mm to5 mm while an inner diameter of the cord 18 is approximately 2 mm to 4mm. Also, the cord is about 4 m to 15 m long. However, it will beappreciated that this length can vary depending on the application.

Broadly, the rod 16 is capable of exerting a pull force on the cord 18when the cord 18 is tightened or tensioned as a result of extension orstretching by the tennis ball 20 when it is struck over the tennis net14. The rod 16 is configured to cooperate with the cord 18 to return thetennis ball 20 back over the tennis net 14, as is explained in moredetail below.

The rod 16 is elongated and formed from a suitable material, such asgraphite, carbon fibre or fibre glass that allows the rod 16 to bendagainst a bias of its original shape or flex resiliently when the cord18 is tightened by the ball 20 being struck over the tennis net 14 awayfrom the rod 16. An example of a suitable configuration of the rod 16could be similar to that used for fishing rods. The rod 16 can thus beof a fibre glass composite. Other examples of suitable material includeplastics materials and metal, such as spring steel and aluminium oraluminium alloy. It will be appreciated that the cross sectionaldimensions of the rod will vary depending on the type of material beingused.

The rod 16 has a length of between about 400 mm and 700 mm, for exampleabout 580 mm, and tapers from an operative lower end to an operativeupper end. When of a glass fibre composite, the rod 16 has a basediameter of between about 5 mm and 9 mm, for example about 7 mm, and atip diameter of between about 1 mm and 5 mm, for example about 3 mm.

The rod 16 also includes a swivel or pivot mount 64 at its end and aloop 66 for attaching the cord 18 to the swivel 64. The swivel 64 allowsthe loop 66 to spin. That accommodates spinning of the ball 20 at leastto some extent which obviates undue twisting of the cord 18 andresultant entanglement. It will be appreciated that the cord 18 can alsobe detached from the mount 64, for replacement, if necessary. Forexample, the cord 18 can be tied or untied to or from the mount 64. Itfollows that it is envisaged that the apparatus 10 can be supplied withor without the cord 18 and/or the ball 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, a kit 50 is shown that includes a tennis racket 52and another embodiment of a training apparatus 54. The kit 50 alsoincludes a package (not shown) in the form of a racquet cover forpackaging the racquet 52 and the tennis training apparatus 50. Withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2, like reference numerals refer to like parts,unless otherwise specified.

The training apparatus 54 has a board 58 shaped to correspond generallywith a head of the racquet 52, so that the racquet 52 and the tennistraining apparatus 54 can be stowed generally coincident with each otherin the racquet cover. The board 58 is dimensioned to be received withina rim 59 of the racquet 52.

The cover can define an aperture so that the joint 38 can projectthrough the aperture when the tennis training apparatus 54 is packagedwith the racquet in the racquet cover. The rod 16 can also be packagedby positioning it along a length of the racquet 52 within the racquetcover.

Further, instead of a circular aperture for holding the tennis ball 20,the board 58 of the tennis training apparatus 54 defines a widenedaperture portion, at 62, for receiving the tennis ball 20 in africtional fit.

FIGS. 4 to 9 show the apparatus 54 in further detail.

The clipping device or clip 34 is of a resiliently flexible material,such as a plastics material or sprung steel, that is formed to define arear flap 68 and a front lip 70 so that the clip 34 is received on theend 45 of the board 58. The end 45 has a recessed portion 72 toaccommodate the clip 34.

The recessed portion 72 defines a hole 74 that is aligned with anopening 76 in the lip 70 when the lip 70 is fastened to the board 58with fasteners 78.

The board 58 defines a series of locating formations 80 about aperiphery of the hole 74. The stopper 35 has a base 82 that defines aseries of complementary locating formations 84 that engage theformations 80 as the base 82 is inserted through the opening 76 and intothe hole 74.

The base 82 also defines a retaining formation 86 to retain the base 82in the hole 74. A suitable fastener 88 is used to secure the base 82 inthe hole 74.

A stop member 90 of rubber, elastomeric, or similar material is attachedto the base 82.

The post 39 of the joint 38 has a pair of arms 92 extending from a base96. The board 58 defines a socket 94 in which the base 96 is received.The socket 94 and the base 96 define complementary nesting formations 98to secure the base 96 rotationally with respect to the board 58. Afastener 100, received through a floor 102 of the socket 94 is threadedinto the base 96 to secure the base 96 in the socket 94.

The arms 92 define aligned, inwardly extending pivot formations 104. Acarrier 106 extends from the retaining tube 40. The carrier 106 definesan aperture 108. Each of the pivot formations 104 are received in theaperture 108. The post 39 is oriented so that pivotal movement of theretaining tube 40 is in a plane that substantially longitudinallybisects the board 12.

A tubular socket 114 extends from the retaining tube 40. The socket 114has a hexagonal internal profile to receive a threaded nut 116 so thatthe nut 116 is locked against rotation. A locking screw 118 has athreaded shank 120 and a head 122 so that the shank 120 can be threadedthrough the nut 116 to bear against the rod 16. Thus, when the lockingscrew 118 is loosened, the rod 16 can be shifted into a desiredposition, or removed. When the rod 16 is in a desired position, thelocking screw 118 can be rotated so that the shank 120 bears against therod 16 to secure the rod 16 in position.

A cord winding groove 124 extends from the aperture 28 to one of therecesses 22 to facilitate winding the cord 18 about the board 58 forstorage.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the strap 32 has one part 126 of a hook andloop fastening material arranged along its length. Another part 128 ofthe hook and loop fastening material is arranged on part of an innersurface of the board 58 bounding the aperture 28. Thus, the strap 32 canbe used to fasten the board 58 to the net by attaching one end of thestrap 32 to the inner surface, threading the strap through the net andfastening the other end of the strap 32 also to the inner surface.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show, approximately, the relative dimensions andorientation of the components of the apparatus 54. In particular,selection of the dimensions A, B and C has a material effect on themanner in which the apparatus operates.

Dimension A is a height or length of the stopper 35. Dimension B is adistance of a centre-line 130 of the tube 40 from a face 132 of theboard 58. Dimension C is a distance from a pivotal axis 134 of the rod16 to the stopper 35 in a plane of rotation of the rod 16.

In this embodiment, A is between approximately 30 mm and 40 mm, forexample 33 mm to 37 mm. B is between approximately 35 mm and 50 mm, forexample, 35 mm and 40 mm. C is between approximately 90 mm and 100 mm.In one embodiment, the dimensions A and B are selected so that when therod 16 bears against the stopper 35, a longitudinal axis of the rod 16diverges from the board 58 towards the end 45 at an angle of between 0degrees and 10 degrees, for example, 5 degrees. Furthermore, C isselected to achieve a suitable whiplash or dynamic flex of the rod 16when it strikes the stopper 35.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two different examples of a structure of the board58. In FIG. 8, the board 58 is moulded with ribbing to provide a board58 with a structural rigidity similar to that of a solid board, withoutthe weight of a solid board. In FIG. 9, the board 58 can either besolid, or can be the board of FIG. 8 with a backing plate 112 foraesthetic purposes.

In use, when a user wishes to train, the user unwinds the cord 18 fromthe board 12, and mounts the board 12 onto an upper edge portion of thetennis net 14 using the clip 34 and the strap 32 (FIGS. 2A to 2C).

At rest, the rod 18 is positioned as shown by 16.1 in FIG. 2A. When auser strikes the tennis ball 20 over the tennis net 14, and withsufficient force, the tennis ball 20 causes the cord 18 to tighten whichin turn pulls the rod 16 which then hinges into its upright position.The start of that movement is shown in FIG. 2A by 16.2 as the rod 16moves into the position shown in FIG. 2B.

When the rod 16 reaches its upright position, it bears against thestopper 35, and further tension from the cord 18 causes the rod 16 tobend away from its original shape, as shown in FIG. 2B, while the cord18 stretches.

When the inertia of the tennis ball 20 depletes under influence of theelastic cord 18, the rod 16 returns to its original shape. As a result,the rod 16 pulls the cord 18 and thus the ball 20. This facilitatesreturn of the tennis ball 20 over the tennis net, in a motion similar toa whiplash as shown in FIG. 2C.

The return of the tennis ball 20 enables a user to strike the tennisball 20 repeatedly with the rod 16 moving as indicated by arrow 17.

Furthermore, the apparatus permits the ball to bounce on the other sideof the net, before returning to the user. This allows the user todetermine whether or not he or she has accuracy when playing. This is anaspect which cannot be achieved when a user simply uses a wall againstwhich to train.

It is to be appreciated that the selection of relative dimensions,weights and materials determines the operational characteristics of theapparatus 10, 54.

For example, the average height of a tennis net is between about 90 and94 cm, in practice. The length of the rod 16 is selected so that returnof the ball 20 over the net is facilitated. As described above, there isan angle between the rod 16 and the board 58 when the rod 16 strikes thestopper 35. That angle is selected so that, when the cord 18 slackens,the rod 16 drops with gravity immediately, allowing the ball 20 to passback over the net 14 without striking the rod 16.

In addition, in one embodiment, the total weight of the rod 16 and theswivel 64 is selected to be about 8% to 12%, for example 10%, lighterthan the ball 16. That, together with the angle described above, helpsto allow the rod 16 to drop away in a sufficiently short time to avoidobstructing the ball 16.

In one embodiment, the weight of the swivel 64 is greater than that ofthe rod 16. For example, the swivel is between about 4 and 6 grams, forexample, 5 grams, and the weight of the rod 16 is between about 1 and 3grams lighter. Thus, the weight of the swivel 64 together with the angleof the rod 16 relative to the board 12, 58, as described above, helpsthe rod 16 to drop out of the way of the returning ball 20. In thatembodiment, the ball 20 is between about 60 and 70 grams, for exampleabout 66 grams, and the cord 16 is selected to have a weight of betweenabout 10 and 20 grams, for example about 16 grams.

It will be appreciated that the relatively high weight of the ball 20compared to the cord 18 and the rod 16 allow the ball 20 to travel in anatural manner back and forth over the net. Also, the relativedimensions, weights and materials selected allow the rod 16 to swingback and forth in a manner which is consistent and smooth, in apendulum-type motion, allowing the player to develop a rhythm whilestill facing ball returns that are more realistic than those from a wallor a machine that launches tennis balls.

It will be appreciated that players of different heights will havedifferent stroke requirements. As described above, an extent to whichthe rod 16 extends above the board 12, 58 is adjustable. Thisadjustability can be used to tune the apparatus 10, 54 to suit theplayer's height.

The ball 20 can be a standard tennis ball or it can be a high-bouncetennis ball. Alternatively, the ball 20 can be configured for attachmentto the cord 18, while being provided with characteristics similar tothose of a standard tennis ball, such as weight and bounce. For example,the connector 21 can be releasable, allowing the tennis ball to beconnectable to the cord and to be changed if necessary. It will beappreciated that any other means can be provided to allow the ball 20 tobe connectable and changed, if necessary. It follows that both the cord18 and the ball 20 can be replaced, if necessary.

The ball 20 can be attached to the cord 18 or the loop 19 in any one ofa number of conventional ways which are known in the art. For example,the cord 18 or the loop 19 can be attached to a plug located in the ball20. The ball 20 can then be sealed, if necessary, to maintain pressure.

At present, it is possible to use machines that project tennis balls.However, such machines can be predictable, allowing the user to belulled into a groove. The apparatus 10 incorporates a level ofunpredictability, particularly after the ball bounces. The reason isthat it is difficult to assess how the ball will return over the net andfrom what direction. This enhances the training experience.

Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the contextpermits, the term “comprising” and variants thereof such as “comprise”or “comprises” are to be interpreted as including the stated integer orintegers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Thedescribed embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention,without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of beingpracticed with various modifications and additions as will readily occurto those skilled in the art.

The above description describes embodiments of the sports trainingapparatus defined in the claims. As such, the claims are intended tocover variations, modifications or enhancements of these embodimentsthat could become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Itfollows that the language used in the above description of the drawingsshould not be regarded as an indication that any material describedabove is essential to the working of the sports training apparatusdefined in the claims, unless the above description clearly indicatesotherwise.

When any number or range is described herein, that number or range isapproximate. The ranges of values described are intended to cover eachseparate value falling within the range as if it were individuallydescribed.

1. A sports training apparatus, which comprises a base for mounting ontoa support; a rod that is attached to the base in a manner in which atleast part of the rod can extend beyond the base so that when the baseis mounted on the support, the rod extends above the support; an elasticcord that is attached to the rod at one end; and a ball that is attachedto another end of the cord, the rod being positioned so that when atension is set up in the cord as a result of movement of the ball awayfrom the support in one direction, the rod and the cord can cooperate tofacilitate the return of the ball over the support in an oppositedirection when the cord contracts.
 2. A training apparatus, as claimedin claim 1, in which the rod is resilient so that it can bend in thedirection of movement of the ball away from the support as the cordextends to help return the ball when the cord contracts and the rodstraightens so that a user can strike the ball repeatedly.
 3. A trainingapparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the rod is pivotal relative tothe base to pivot between an operative position in which the rod extendsabove the support when the base is mounted on the support and aninoperative position in which the rod extends below the support to avoidobstructing the ball as it returns over the support.
 4. A trainingapparatus as claimed in claim 3, which includes a joint for attachingthe rod to the base to provide pivotal movement of the rod between theoperative and inoperative positions, one of the joint and the baseincluding a stop so that the rod stops at the operative position once ithas moved away from the inoperative position under action of the ballbeing struck and subsequently moving over the support and so that returnof the ball and subsequent slackening of the cord causes the rod toswing back down to the inoperative position to facilitate movement ofthe ball back over the support without obstruction by the rod.
 5. Atraining apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the rod is attachedto the joint in a manner in which detachment is facilitated.
 6. Atraining apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the joint includes atubular portion defining a passage for receiving an end of the rod, anda securing mechanism for securing the rod in the passage in a manner inwhich release and removal or adjustment of the height of the rod isfacilitated.
 7. A training apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which thebase includes a board that can be mounted onto the support in the formof a net.
 8. A training apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which thestop may be a stopper that is interposed between the joint and an end ofthe board so that when the board is mounted on the support, the jointand the stopper are positioned with the stopper above the joint and in aposition for stopping the rod when the rod pivots towards an uprightcondition.
 9. A training apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which theboard defines opposing laterally inwardly projecting recesses forwinding the cord onto the board and an aperture that is shaped and sizedfor receiving the ball in a friction fit for storing the apparatus. 10.A training apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which a swivel connectoris mounted on an end of the rod to attach the cord to the rod to permitthe cord to swivel with respect to the rod to avoid winding up andsubsequent entanglement of the cord.
 11. A sports training apparatus,which comprises a base for mounting onto a support; and a rod that isattached to the base in a manner in which at least part of the rod canextend beyond the base so that when the base is mounted on the support,the rod extends above the support, an elastic cord being capable ofattachment to the rod at one end with the other end of the cord beingconnectable to a ball, the rod being positioned so that when a tensionis set up in the cord as a result of movement of the ball away from thesupport in one direction, the rod and the cord can cooperate tofacilitate the return of the ball over the support in an oppositedirection when the cord contracts.
 12. A sports training apparatus asclaimed in claim 11, which includes the cord, a connector being attachedto the other end of the cord to permit a ball to be connected to thecord in a releasable manner.
 13. A sports training kit, which comprisesa racquet; and a sports training apparatus as claimed in claim
 1. 14. Asports training kit, which comprises a racquet; and a sports trainingapparatus as claimed in claim
 11. 15. A sports training kit as claimedin claim 13, in which the base is a board that is shaped to fit within arim of a head of the racquet while overlying strings of the racquet.